Howington had been asking diners in Silver Spurs, 490 LaGuardia Place, to donate money to his basketball team, prompting busboy Bobby Barbot to try to escort him out about 8 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

Police released footage showing the suspect, wearing a bubble jacket and hoodie, along with another teen entering another restaurant. (NYPD)

The teen took a swing at Barbot, who is trained in mixed martial arts and hit back, knocking the teen to the ground, Barbot said.

Howington left and returned with a box cutter and slashed Barbot across the cheek in the vestibule of the restaurant, Barbot said.